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Find Providers Specializing in:

Virginia

Susan Best, LCSW

Susan Best, LCSW

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Susan is a licensed clinical social worker with over 17 years experience in the mental health field, working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addiction, and a host of other issues. She received her Master’s in Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. Susan works with adults age 21 and older, providing a safe, non-judgmental space and utilizing interventions from cognitive behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches. For those with Christian faith, she incorporates a worldview based on God’s character of loving-kindness, compassion, and restoration. She looks forward to working with you in your journey towards growth and healing.

Tera Keating, LMHP-R

Tera Keating, LMHP-R

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Tera is a Licensed Resident in Counseling who received her Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Trinity International University. She has previously served in the U.S. Navy as a nurse specializing in women’s wellness.

Tera has experience counseling women across the lifespan through the various stages and issues that today’s women face. Treating the whole person, adolescence through the golden years, with a foundation of clinical expertise and Biblical faithfulness, Tera will walk beside you in your healing journey providing hope, compassion, and helpful strategies and tools. Tera has experience with grief, bereavement, and loss, pregnancy and mood disorders, sexual integrity and wholeness, career counseling, counseling individuals and family members affected by disability, chronic or terminal illness, counseling those entering ministry and ministry spouses, military and family members, healthcare workers, law enforcement and first responders, moral injury, abandonment, and social anxiety.

Tera is married and has four children. When she isn’t counseling, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves the outdoors, kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Tiffany McCann, LPC, CRC, PBS-F

Tiffany McCann, LPC, CRC, PBS-F

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My name is Tiffany. Many times in life, we can benefit from support in working through challenges, changes, adjustments, and situations, and having someone to listen makes all the difference. Having worked in mental health for many years, I am passionate about supporting you through your challenges. My focus area is trauma work, but have a passion for meeting you where you are, and helping you consider your own strengths, goals, and perspective as you work to move forward.

Zach Clinton, LMHP-R

Zach Clinton, LMHP-R

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Zach Clinton, M.A. (Clinical Mental Health Counseling) is a resident counselor here at Light Counseling. He is also a doctoral student in Counselor Education & Supervision at Liberty University. A former Division 1 college baseball player and now chaplain of the Liberty University Baseball team, Zach is recognized as a growing authority and voice on performance and mental health for today’s generations. He also currently works and serves at the American Association of Christian Counselors, Host of the Built Different Podcast, and President & Host of the Ignite Men’s Ministry. Zach loves working with and speaking into the lives of the next generation as he has a passion for helping them build self-esteem, emotion regulation, leadership qualities, and perspective shifts. He has dedicated his life to reminding people that no matter how dark, difficult, or painful life can be, they are never out of the fight! Zach is also thrilled to have recently married his wife, Evelyn Jane!

Martha Meadows, LCSW

Martha Meadows, LCSW

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Martha Meadows is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She earned her undergraduate degree from Virginia State, University, where she majored in Social Work, and earned her masters degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in Social Work. For 30 years, she served a fulfilling time with Henrico Mental Health Services as a clinical case manager and clinician. Martha worked diligently to problem solve and seek the most appropriate solutions for a wide range and age of clients (ages 14-80).
She expresses that her goal is to utilize the sum of her positive experiences in order to be a flickering candle that illuminates the pathway for clients. Martha believes that human warmth, understanding, and compassion work to foster clients security, wellbeing, and personal prosperity. Personal counseling has been her life’s work and the legacy she wishes to leave to her fellow man and brothers and sisters in Christ. As she looks back on her career, she feels a resounding sense of personal satisfaction.
Martha was born and raised in Forest, VA, and enjoyed Sunday school and choir growing up in the church. She was named after and strongly influenced by her aunt, who was a minister and pastor, and inspired to have deep love and reverence for God. In her free time, she has also been able to pay it forward as a Youth Advisor.

Matthew Scott, LMFT

Matthew Scott, LMFT

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Matthew has had over 18 years experience collectively working in Clinical Settings, Residential Treatment Facilities, Home Visiting Programs, Outpatient Hospital Mental Health Facilities and Christian Based Counseling Services.

As a Mental Health professional, he has had over 10 years experience specifically in clinical settings working in both Outpatient and Chrisitan based counseling services. Matthew co-lead a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Program for Adolescents and Adults working for an Outpatient Mental Health Facility in NY State for 2 years. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modified type of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others. He also has experience practicing in a Chrisitan Based Counseling Center based out of a Baptist Church in Upstate NY where his Father was the Senior Pastor for 24 years. He was able to see first hand as a Pastor’s son the impact healthy relationships can have on others’ overall functioning through radical genuineness, acceptance, validation and being non-judgemental with those you work with.

Matthew is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and works with Individuals, Families , Adolescents, Children and Couples. Matthew works closely with clients to address issues related to depression, anxiety, marital issues or conflict, relationship issues, parent child relationships, parenting issues, stress, trauma/abuse, addictions, mood dysregulation, post traumatic stress disorder, codependency, anger and maladaptive thinking. As an MFT, he works systemically which means he considers his clients’ lives and the problems they present in therapy through a biopsychosocial lens. This means taking into account their mind, their body, and their relationships, and how all of these things affect each other. MFT’S believe we are shaped by where we come from and that informs so much of what we do in other relationships. Matthew utilizes various methods such as CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Insight Oriented, Psychodynamics and Family Systems approaches to help clients reach and achieve their best self and work towards their life worth living goals.

Licenses & Certifications

● Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Virginia)

● Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (New York)

● Intensively Trained DBT Therapist

Phylicia Jemmott, LMHP-R

Phylicia Jemmott, LMHP-R

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Phylicia Jemmott, MA
Phylicia Jemmott is a Resident in Counseling that graduated from Liberty University with her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to completing her MA as well as her internship with Christian Counseling Associates, she graduated from Fort Hays State University with her BS in Psychology. Under Virginia Board of Counseling approved supervision, she meets with a variety of clientele that include children, adolescents, teens, and adults. She aids her clients navigate and cope with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), negative thoughts/self-talk, automatic thoughts, regulating and expressing their emotions.
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Phylicia is a military brat with experience in working with military families, both active and retired. She has ambitions to be a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) and a Certified Depression & Mood Disorder Treatment Professional (CDMDTP) in the near future. She assists her clients with a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT). Phylicia is available for session in person at Glen Allen or Chesterfield, and virtually.

Reanna Burch, LMHP-S

Reanna Burch, LMHP-S

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I graduated from Radford University with my MSW (Master of Social Work) in 2020. I have worked previously as an AmeriCorps State and National member for a non-profit agency in the New River Valley facilitating afterschool and summer programs for at-risk youth, organizing food and hygiene drives in the community, and partnering with Feeding America to distribute food to local communities. I have professional experience as a Family Services Specialist for the Department of Social Services in child welfare (foster care and adoption). I have worked with children and adults on issues such as family dysfunction, parenting, substance abuse, traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, impulse control, poverty, and self-esteem.

I am passionate about trauma-informed care and the concept of Imago Dei (“Image of God”). In other words, I believe that all people have been created in the Image of God and thus have immeasurable value and worth. As a clinician, it is my goal to come alongside those who may be suffering or struggling and help them make positive changes both in how they see themselves and how they relate to others, so that they may live into their full, God-given potential.

Skyler Heston, LMHP-S

Skyler Heston, LMHP-S

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Skyler is a Supervisee in Clinical Social Work who is passionate about creating a safe space to facilitate healing. Skyler grew up on the mission field and quickly gained a heart for loving people and meeting individuals where they are at. This led Skyler to pursue her Masters in Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. Skyler has a wide variety of experience including play therapy, Trust-Based-Relational Intervention, anger-management counseling, and working with those who have experienced sexual assault. She also has experience working with a home visiting program that sought to support expecting mothers and connect individuals to resources.

When she is not working, Skyler loves spending time with her husband, family, and friends. Skyler also enjoys doing anything outdoors, such as hiking, kayaking, or running.

Lauren Burns, LMHP-R

Lauren Burns, LMHP-R

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My name is Lauren Burns and I am a resident in counseling who graduated from Virginia Tech’s counseling masters program. I have experience working with middle school aged children within the school and adults in outpatient settings. I have worked with adults at of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relational issues, life-transitions, self-esteem issues and more. I love helping clients work find their strengths and help them process and grow through their circumstances.

Lauren Rowell, LMHP-R

Lauren Rowell, LMHP-R

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Lauren is a Resident in Counseling who graduated in 2020 from Liberty University. She is married with one child and enjoys volunteering with her church’s praise and worship team. She works with most populations, age 15 and older, and has a heart and calling to help people in their journey towards healing.

Lynnette Shadoan, LMFT, LPC

Lynnette Shadoan, LMFT, LPC

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Lynnette has worked at Light Counseling since March 1999 where she served as the Executive Director until she and her husband moved to Lexington Kentucky. She continues to work full-time for Light Counseling by providing Telehealth, services and considers this “the best of both worlds” since she can live near family and still work for the counseling practice that she loves!

Her clinical areas of practice include adults, adolescents, and college-age individuals. Her main focus is on women’s issues, codependency issues, marriage counseling, and family conflict resolution. She treats a wide variety of clinical problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, grief, and phase of life issues. Her therapeutic approach is insight-oriented, cognitive-behavioral, along with family systems, with a biblical perspective. In 2017, 2018, and 2019 Lynnette was voted number one Counselor in Lynchburg in Our Health magazine’s “Best Bedside Manner” edition, which she counts among the greatest honors of her career.

As a former basketball player at the University of Kentucky, she and her husband are now season ticket holders and enjoy attending the games at her beloved alma mater. She also has one cat and one dog and is a big animal lover!

Jessica Hauser, LMHP-R

Jessica Hauser, LMHP-R

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Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Virginia Tech and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults and has a background in treating anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, psychosis, autism, applied behavioral analysis, solution-focused therapies, and trauma incident reduction. Jessica is TIR trained and a member of the Trauma Incident Reduction Association. Jessica is consistent in gaining more insight and increasing her competency and knowledge to ensure her clients are getting the most up to date and valid treatment strategies. She utilizes TF-CBT, CBT, DBT, TIR, and LSR strategies to help her clients with their individual struggles.

Jessica’s approach is person-centered and she leads from a nonjudgmental, compassionate standpoint. She finds fulfillment and passion in helping individuals gain control over their mind by implementing evidence-based treatments and spreading awareness of the importance of mental health. Her goals of therapy include the implementation of these evidence-based interventions to aid in her clients’ ability to build resilience and increase their confidence so that they may tackle anything that life may throw at them.

In Jessica’s free time she enjoys spending time outdoors, doing yoga, meditation, and playing with her two miniature schnauzers.

Jonathan Durst, LMHC, LPC

Jonathan Durst, LMHC, LPC

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Jonathan Durst has more than 20 years of experience as a people helper focusing on serving individuals, families, and organizations. He received his formal education from St. John’s University in Psychology and from Ashland Theological Seminary in Clinical Pastoral Counseling. He is currently licensed in New York as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (L.M.H.C.) and in Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.). Jonathan has served his local church as a youth and an associate pastor prior to his profession in counseling. Early in his career, he had experiences working in several capacities of community mental healthcare in a wide variety of settings. He developed his outpatient counseling experience working at EMERGE Ministries in Akron, Ohio. Jonathan has since worked as a supervisor, clinical director, developed satellite counseling centers, partnered and consulted with churches and organizations, helped train future Christian counselors as an adjunct instructor, provided leadership and mental health training internationally, and has served on a few national mental healthcare committees. Most recently, before coming to Light Counseling, Jonathan was the founder and CEO of Bedrock Counseling Ministries, a Christian outpatient counseling clinic located in Syracuse, New York. It was out of his faith and obedience to God that Jonathan and his family relocated to Virginia for this next chapter of serving others.

Jonathan’s number one ministry is to his family. He strives to love God with all of his heart and is continually broken by both God’s goodness and His direction. He is blessed and honored to be married to Carmen and they have 3 children; Alicia, Matthew, and Gabriela.

Justin Cook, LMHP-R

Justin Cook, LMHP-R

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Justin is a Licensed Resident in Counseling with over 10 years of experience working in various roles in the mental health field. He completed a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University. He has experience in working with children and adults with Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorders. He has also spent a great deal of his career working as a crisis counselor.
Justin is a proponent of a holistic approach to well-being. He engages in person-centered therapy and utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques to help his clients. He has a passion for helping people make positive decisions and helping them find their purpose in their life journey.
In his free time, you’ll find Justin outside training for Spartan Obstacle Course races, hiking, fishing, and cooking.

Laura Holmes, LPC

Laura Holmes, LPC

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Laura is a Licensed Professional Counselor who received her Bachelors’ degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. She has certifications in Life Coaching, Biblical Counseling and Stress & Trauma Care. She has...

Evan Tyler, LMHP-R

Evan Tyler, LMHP-R

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When I am outside of counselor and professional environments, I love spending time with my parents, my sister, my niece and nephew, and my friends (all of which I consider my family). I also love taking care of my cat (Yoshi), although she can be a pain. I have been fortunate enough to be blessed with hard ship in my life that has led me down the road of becoming a mental health professional and am extremely passionate about connecting with others that may have gone through similar health struggles as mine in order to help them live their best and healthiest lives. I am a strong believer in supporting those that society may not focus on or who feel left behind and alone due to their life circumstances. I love the process of getting to know and understand the personhood of my clients before understanding their struggles. I see the counseling relationship as a cooperative exploration of what is truly important to the client and love every second of that adventure. Outside of counseling, I am an avid enjoyer of all things “nerdy” (video games, superhero movies, sci-fi, fantasy) but also love playing sports and being active when I can.

Genevive Drews, LMHP-R

Genevive Drews, LMHP-R

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I moved to Christiansburg, VA in 2019 after living in California for 20 years. Christiansburg reminds me of the Oregon that I grew up in and I cherish God’s faithfulness in bringing me here. I have been a licensed pastor in the Foursquare Church since 2011. I am passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves, especially in transition and change. That transition could be the next step in life or it could the next step of healing, either way, I enjoy this work. I have spent most of the last 20 years working with the college age and young professional and I find great joy in walking alongside these blossoming adults as they begin the process of living life in these new seasons. I teach at Life Pacific University Virginia to help bring a biblical understanding of mental health, marriage, and development to the classroom. I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures. I look forward to working with you.

Goldie Oakes, LPC

Goldie Oakes, LPC

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Hello. My name is Goldie Marker Oakes, Licensed Professional Counselor. My professional clinical career began in 2006 as a clinical case manager at Crossroads, CSB; however, I became a therapist three years later which included substance abuse group therapy and In-Person, counseling. In 2013, I joined the Crisis Team at Horizon Behavioral Health where I provided Intensive In-home, Crisis Intervention and Crisis Stab, all of which focused on at-risk children and youth. Later, I joined Intercept Intensive Foster Care where I experienced working with foster children and youth. In 2017, I again joined Crossroads, CSB as a therapist working In-Person,, group, and with substance abuse therapy. In 2020-2023, I worked through BetterHelp Counseling where I provided online therapy via Telehealth,.

My primary therapeutic modality includes a strong but eclectic therapeutic modality that incorporates a strong Christian perspective and clinical perspective using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Enhancement Therapy. In addition, I often utilize a holistic approach that incorporates a homeopathic path to wellness, Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy, prayer and scripture.

My professional experience includes a clinical approach with a Christian mindset and perspective that includes: • treating clinical concerns such as anxiety, social anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and other clinical concerns. • relationships • self-image, self-esteem, and efficacy • addiction •anger management • and self-harm behaviors and impulse control.
My therapeutic approach often incorporates homework such as reading Christian literature or specific scripture, journal and self-reflective writing, and practice of specific CBT strategies outside the clinical setting, at home, and in the community, all of which supports your growth and progress.

My goal as your therapist is to help you find peace, joy, and happiness in life. My job is to help you learn how to overcome your life events, emotions and experiences that have caused you problems functioning normally, relating to others, or even finding motivation to continue on your life’s path. Your goal is for your growth to be internal as you move towards defining or redefining your relationship with Christ. This means a great deal of your progress requires your need to periodically evaluate your own progress through self-evaluation and self-reflection, in addition to my own clinical assessments with your progress. This path is not always an easy one; however, God promises us that we never have to travel that path alone.

Henry Liscio, LMHP-R

Henry Liscio, LMHP-R

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Henry is warm and collaborative. He’s helped many teens, adults, and couples navigate anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, relationship conflict, future-planning and more

Initia Walker, LMHP-R

Initia Walker, LMHP-R

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Initia received her Masters in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Liberty University. She is passionate about creating safe therapeutic environments where clients are seen, heard, and understood. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients along their journey to help them reach their goals and overall holistic wellness. Throughout her journey, she has had the honor of working with little ones to pre-teens with autism in the educational field as well as in-home.She also has worked with adults with intellectual disabilities and mental health challenges in residential settings. Clinically, she has worked with different topics such as anxiety, depression, unexpected life transitions, grief, interpersonal conflicts, and more. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, singing, dancing ,being outdoors, volunteering, and more.

Jackie Williams, LPC

Jackie Williams, LPC

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I became licensed counselor later in life as a second career and bring wisdom and understanding from my personal experiences to my work. I earned my Masters degree from Liberty University in 2016 and work now as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. I started my journey in helping others overcome their challenges in my role as Theophostic/Transformational Prayer Facilitator in 2007. Now I find EMDR, CBT, DBT and solution-focused therapies to be most helpful for clients.

I believe loving self acceptance, a sense of calling and seeing yourself through God’s eyes are foundational for a meaningful life of peace and joy. I love working with people who want to clean out shame and excess guilt. I believe no person is so lost that they are out of God’s sight, care, or reach for healing.

You can expect to be challenged in working with me. If you want to get to the core and seek transformation there I can go there with you. I’ll encourage you to listen to your body, mind and spirit for the majority of your own help. There may be many tears along the way, but also a lot of laughter and relief!

Bryce Williams, LMHP-R

Bryce Williams, LMHP-R

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I’m Bryce Williams, I am a counselor, pastor, and father who looks to support others through a therapeutic relationship. Whether it is finding ways to manage stress, playing games, or sitting and crying, I look to cultivate space for my clients to heal and grow. In my spare time, I love to read, walk with my dog, and cheer on JMU sports with my family! Go Dukes!

Cindy Stafford, LMHP-R

Cindy Stafford, LMHP-R

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Hello, my name is Cindy Stafford. I have been married for 36 years and have two adult children. I am a recent graduate from Liberty University with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – May 2023. My past work experience includes working with adults coming out of crisis and psychiatric hospitalization to provide services, specifically outpatient counseling, and made referrals to meet their needs in hopes of preventing cycling back into crisis. I have worked with individuals diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar, ADHD, PTSD, relational issues, work-related stress, and life transitions. I have also worked as a Family Services Specialist (Foster Care and Adoption) and Eligibility Specialist for the Department of Social Services. I have experience in Special Education and teaching Preschool. My husband and I have been in ministry together at our local church for 23 years as AWANA Commanders and continue to work in AWANA as mentors. I have a special place in my heart to work with individuals and families who are dealing with long-term illness and provide support to caregivers. It is my desire to help individuals find hope and peace to make changes that they desire for their lives. Romans 5:1-5

Debra McPhee, LPC

Debra McPhee, LPC

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Deb McPhee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 20 years’ experience working in her community as a mental health and substance dependence recovery therapist. She received her master’s degree in community mental health from Regent University, Virginia Beach.

Deb helps adults and families identify their personal strengths to persevere through their trials with confidence and hope, while offering the opportunity to include their faith in creating a plan of health, clarity, and possibilities.
Deb’s primary approach is strength-based to address most levels of anxiety/panic, disruptive behaviors such as attention/focus difficulties, chronic/situational depression, substance use/dependence, grief/loss, and phase of life changes.

Deb is proud of her past active duty and reservist service in the U.S. Navy, 1971-1976/1990-1992. She enjoys a good cup of coffee, hard-covered books, cooking, gardening, and her log home.

Destini Gray, LMHP-R

Destini Gray, LMHP-R

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Destini is a Licensed Resident in Counseling who received her masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. She is a certified SYMBIS facilitator and has experience working with a variety of different therapeutic models. Her goal for counseling is to create a safe space and a non-judgmental environment where she can sit with clients from all unique backgrounds. She believes that everyone’s story deserves to be heard and that no one should carry life’s hurts alone. Destini is passionate about coming alongside her clients’ pain.

When not working, Destini enjoys spending time with her husband and her friends or visiting her family in the sunshine state. In her free moments, she also likes to sit down and read a good book or watch romantic comedy/Disney movies.

Donna Westcott, LPC

Donna Westcott, LPC

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I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the Commonwealth of Virginia who loves helping individuals, couples, and families. I start by providing a safe environment for you to share what is on your heart. I listen without judgment and help you see what you’ve been doing right, where your strengths are, and how you can harness them to bring health to the areas where you are struggling.
I use talk therapy, but also supplement it with relaxation techniques and expressive therapy, such as art, music, or writing, when that seems appropriate and you are interested in trying it. My foundational theoretical models are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, and trauma-informed care, integrated, when desired, with biblical principles and prayer.

My special focus is on repair and restoration of marriages broken by infidelity, as well as supporting women in abusive marriages.

I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion from Carson Newman University, a Master of Education Degree in Counselor Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and have done additional graduate work in counseling at Liberty University.
I’ve been working with Christian Counseling Associates since 2011.

Doris DeMato, LPC

Doris DeMato, LPC

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Dr. Doris DeMato brings over twenty years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor to Light Counseling. She earned her doctoral degree in counseling from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.

She has extensive experience working with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many of Dr. DeMato’s clients navigate feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, phase of life problems, interpersonal conflicts, and family of origin concerns that have become overwhelming and are impacting work and relationships. Together, she and her clients co-create practical strategies and coping skills that are tailored to each one’s life journey. Dr. DeMato works with adults of all ages across the life-span.

The first priority Dr. DeMato has in starting with new clients is to ensure that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned Telehealth, provider, she also offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of one’s self-care calendar. The therapeutic approach Dr. DeMato takes with her clients is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This is a proven approach to changing thinking patterns and behaviors in a limited number of sessions.

An experienced clinician, Dr. DeMato also is a counselor educator. In a recent interview, she was invited to share her approach to treating women with anxiety that will be included in a video to accompany a college textbook. She also holds a Postgraduate Professional License in Virginia as a school counselor. Dr. DeMato has had articles published in both the Professional School Counseling journal and the Virginia Counselors journal. Some of her interests outside of work include visiting historical sites, watching archeological digs near where she lives, reading mystery novels and biographies, growing hydroponic herbs and vegetables, cooking, and walking. Dr. DeMato is very active in her church which has a homeless shelter, food program, and an emergency relief program.

Dr. DeMato believes that healing and growth occur within a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Taking the first step to come for counseling is a step of strength and courage. Dr. DeMato looks forward to meeting you and working together to help you resolve whatever you may be facing in your life at this time.

Alyssa Penrod, LMHP-R

Alyssa Penrod, LMHP-R

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Alyssa is a Licensed Resident in Counseling who received her masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. She has experience working with children, youth, adults and families. Alyssa has a background in both Emotion Focused Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy theoretical orientations. Her passion lies in creating a space for the client to feel seen and heard in order to create the safety needed to initiate change and growth.

When not counseling, Alyssa can be found tending to her copious amount of house plants, walking one of Lynchburg’s many trails or planning her next road trip.

Amy Dillingham, LMHP-R

Amy Dillingham, LMHP-R

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Amy is a graduate of Liberty University with a M.A. in Professional Counseling. She has experience working with children, teens, adults, and seniors, as well as couples and families. Amy strives to help each individual reach his/her highest potential in body, mind, and spirit using a holistic/wellness approach. She has been a YMCA Program Director, personal trainer, teacher, and Stephen Minister and enjoys having the opportunity to integrate her faith into her counseling. Amy works with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief/loss, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, identity issues, marriage and family issues, blended-families, parenting/co-parenting, health and body issues, and phase of life challenges. She utilizes play therapy, CBT, DBT, ACT, mindfulness, and somatic bodywork, as well as her knowledge of nutrition and exercise to help her clients reach their personal goals.

Amy Feigel, LPC

Amy Feigel, LPC

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Amy Feigel is a Virginia Licensed Professional Counselor and former California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Amy received her pre and post-graduate education from Liberty University and has nearly 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and families.

She has served as a Social Worker for Child Protective Services, a Group Facilitator working with sexual abuse survivors through Parents United International, a Mental Health Clinician providing outpatient counseling for at-risk youth, the Director of Member Care for the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC), the Director of the Extraordinary Women organization and as a private practice therapist. Amy is currently employed full-time as a therapist at Light Counseling, part-time as an Adjunct Faculty Professor with Liberty University Online, and is also a Special Assistant to the President of the AACC.

As a past recipient of the Servant Leadership Award from the IBPPC, Amy has experience in conducting numerous workshops that provide local communities with mental health education, in-service psycho-education to teaching professionals, and continuing education training for members of the AACC on a variety of topics such as: eating disorders, teen suicide/cutting/self-injury/physical and sexual abuse/depression, anxiety/stress, women’s issues, social networking, and the online generation.

Arpenik Stepanyan, LMHP-R

Arpenik Stepanyan, LMHP-R

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Hello! My name is Arpenik Stepanyan and I am a Resident in Counseling at Light Counseling. I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University and my Bachelors in Psychology from Texas A&M University.

I am originally from Yerevan, Armenia and grew up moving around several times before my family settled down in Pearland, TX. Growing up moving around one of the few constants in my life was the church, and it was where my love for people and ministry began. During my time at Texas A&M, I continued to develop a passion for service and ministry. I was involved in helping freshmen get plugged into the local church, serving at camps, mentoring middle school girls, and teaching English classes to international students. Towards the end of my degree when I was deciding my next steps, I took a course on counseling, which changed the trajectory of my life; I ended up moving to Lynchburg, VA to pursue my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Liberty University.
Looking back, I can see the Lord’s hand in my life and how he guided me during every season and transition.

I am passionate about this work and grateful to have the ability to witness firsthand how God is at work in each of my client’s lives. I have experience working with children, couples and individual adults who are struggling with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief/loss, anger, codependency, ADHD, OCD, and relationship issues.